Sophie from the Camino Women team here!
In February 2025, I travelled to Laos for the soft launch of the Soum Son trail – our new community-based walking trail near Luang Prabang.
There were some major hiccups (let me get to that in a second), but the experience, overall, was just so special. The locals greeted us warmly, celebrated with us, and welcomed us into their lives.
Let me tell you all about it.
Prior to the trek
I was buzzing with excitement when I learned I was going to Laos to join the first group of Camino Women on the Soum Son trail. But, before I was to meet our pioneers, I wanted to steal a bit of time in Laos just for myself.
From the moment I stepped off the plane, I felt the shift in pace, the warmth of the people, and the sheer beauty of the landscapes around me. Life moves slower here, and it invites you to do the same.
I absolutely fell in love with Luang Prabang. There’s this beautiful street with a night market in the middle that was so much fun to see. Also, I have to say that I felt completely safe wandering around by myself at night.
I was still taking in all the calmness of the country (that I soon found within myself, as well). So, I was a bit surprised by the lack of vendors calling out and fighting for my attention.
Laotians are truly calm and inviting. No ‘in-your-face’ moments here.
I spent most of my time people-watching and taking in all the new scents and flavours. Soon after, I got to meet the amazing Camino women who joined our community project.
Thank you again, ladies.
Baci Ceremony Celebration
Before the hike started, the locals invited us to take part in the Baci Ceremony they carefully prepared for us.
I know that I speak for the whole group when I say – we felt so honoured.
The Baci ceremony was the ladies’ highlight of the whole trip…
..and I completely get it – it was so special!
After the ceremony to commemorate the start of the trail, we were treated to two different traditional dances.
The locals put on their traditional costumes.
Because it was time for a celebration!
We just couldn’t resist the music – we had to join in!
First Day of the Soum Son Trek
Soon after, the ‘Launch Day’ came knocking, with lots of love, heartfelt moments, and some happy tears here and there.
We left the town to start our trekking and crossed the Mekong River by boat to arrive at the trailhead. It was an open area by the riverside where the locals had gathered to meet us for the start. The emotions I felt when we arrived are just so hard to describe.
I can still hear the local kids’ laughter and excitement as they welcomed us on the trailhead. They blew up balloons, decorated everything and made this moment so special.
Not sure if you can notice it here, but I teared up right after taking this photo.
Walking beneath the banner and thinking ‘I’m one of the first people to get to do this!’ was so special. My family can’t catch a break from me talking about it all the time!
The trail led us through landscapes that shift from deep valleys to misty hills.
This part was so much fun!
‘The trek was challenging, but I wouldn’t change a thing from this trip’, said one Camino Woman.
For me, the absolute highlight of the trip was stopping by the villages and talking to the locals. We learned so much!
The local women showed us the process of weaving.
Also, we learned hands-on how to make river weed into a snack.
This is where the experience becomes so real and special. Sitting with local families, watching them prepare meals over open fires, and sharing stories, despite the language barrier.
While walking on the trail, I reminisced on my interview with Lisa Odonnell, who told me about the work that was put into creating the Soum Son trail.
Check out our interview to learn what it was like to design a trail ‘in the middle of nowhere’ in rural Laos.
Embracing the Unexpected
As we were arriving in the first village of the Soum Son trail the local authorities showed up. They came up with some surprising “bureaucratic requirements” and didn’t let us stay at the local homes.
It was heartbreaking … 💔
for the local team, who were preparing for months and had made sure they’d followed every local rule. It was disappointing for the Camino Women so looking forward to our first-ever experience with the Lowland people. It was really hard for the locals, who had prepared for months and I’ll be completely honest – it took its toll on me.
But, our local team were absolute legends in organising an overnight stay for our group within a few minutes. They just came up with such a great plan for the next two days and it all turned out more than perfect.
As one of the Camino Women put it: ‘This is what I am here for… the adventure!’
Thank you, Mr Salee
Another piece of feedback struck a chord with me: ‘I enjoyed being taken care of so well. As a Mum, you are used to doing that for everyone else’, said one Camino woman.
Tell me about it!
I felt the same. This is especially thanks to Mr Salee, our local guide. He’s so selfless with his broad knowledge of the traditions, history, terrain and plants… He turned us all into Laos experts!
Before I go, I just wanted to share one of my favourite photos with you.
As I already mentioned, my favourite was talking to the locals or just watching their daily lives unfold.
Here, I had the chance to see two local boys on their lunch break from school. They were playing for an hour with their kite, laughing and talking. I didn’t have to speak the local language to understand their game.
When their mom came to pick them up and put them on the back of her moped, I thought to myself..
The little adventures like these, the joy that these two boys feel…
Isn’t this what Camino Women are all about?
One lady on the trip put my thoughts into words:
‘We were so lucky!’
I could go on and on about Laos and its welcoming people, but now it’s the next group’s turn to dive into this special adventure.
If you can imagine yourself on the Soum Son trail, make sure to check out the full trip itinerary.
Thank you so much for following along!